Today I will show you the only functioning monastery in Strandzha mountain, which is located in the locality of Osman Bair - east of the Bulgarian village of Golyamo Bukovo.

It is called the “St Life-Giving Spring” and is named after the healing spring that emerges near the old church of the monastery. The spring is also called by the local people - "Saint Petka".

Entering behind a large gate, I saw well-tended gardens with a lake and numerous small one-story buildings.

The lake was full of fish and small eels. The flowers were beautiful and created a wonderful atmosphere.

A red-haired cat lounged around lazily.

I couldn't help but notice the impressive model of the traditional Strandzha house, which unfortunately had started to collapse.

In the distance could be seen a two-storied stone building that had once been a metoh but was now dilapidated and crumbling. The building was built at the end of the 19th century. Access to it was denied.

I reached the old church where the healing spring is located.

The story of the spring is related to the Mother of God, who appeared in the dream of a sick man and told him to wash himself with the water from the spring. This is how the man recovers and from there the idea to build a temple in this place was born.

The church is a three-nave pseudo-basilica and was built in 1876. Over the years it was destroyed, but today it has been restored again. Some of its parts, such as its columns, are painted in an interesting and somewhat unusual way, containing Eastern elements.

Construction of the bell tower began years ago. Maybe in years if I visit the place again - I will be able to see her.

The place can be reached from the village of Golyamo Bukovo on a new asphalt road.You pass a beech forest and the views along the way are wonderful.

Along the way there is a built wooden gazebo with a shed and a barbecue. There is also a fountain that was not working when we were there.

sourse: pateshestvia.net, svetimesta.com

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